By Girl Scout Cadette and IGM Scarlett Schilling
When people think of the word robotic, it’s normal to think of robots like the ones we see in movies, but the art of robot engineering is so much more than a smart device that can clean a room or serve breakfast in the morning. Currently, robotic engineering has developed so far to the point where we can explore the ocean. As a current member of the Girl Scout –Arizona Cactus-Pine underwater robotics team, I have clear insight into what we do and how we function.
Through our underwater robotics program, Girl Scouts are offered unique opportunities to explore new careers or learn more about an already existing passion or hobby. For example, a girl who loves engineering may participate in the program to expand her passion and learn how to apply it to real-world experiences. This is why I joined the underwater robotics program.
I love creating new things and telling others about the process of my new creations. The program has shown me that anything is possible and if I run into struggles, it has taught me to push through and shine brighter than ever.
During our underwater robotics program meetings, we set a new goal every meeting. If we are currently building our robot, we set goals to help us make progress until the building is complete. Once we finish building our robot, we test it in the pool for buoyancy to see if it sinks or floats. We also test to see if the remote connected to the robot works. If everything passes the test, then we set up an obstacle course so the team can drive the robot through hoops and rings. Depending on how the robot responds, we come together to modify the robot and make any changes to improve its function.
As we spend more time on robot modifications, the underwater robotics competition draws closer and closer. You heard right, competitions for underwater robots. At the competition, if a robot does well underwater, then the team can move forward to nationals. Some things the judges look for are the weight of the robot, and a robotic notebook that explains the process of our engineered robot.
Being part of a girl-led robotics team is important to me because it shows that women can do anything they set their minds to, and it’s a powerful way to impact the community and inspire other girls who are also interested in robotics or the STEM field.
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